Clubs shift focus to National Sevens Circuit

Barry Otieno of Homeboyz RFC during the Great Rift 10-aside rugby tournament in Nakuru, in April. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

Following the conclusion of the 2018-19 Kenya Rugby Union 15s season, clubs have now turned attention to the 2019 National Sevens Circuit slated to kick off on July 21.

Crosstown neighbours Western Bulls and Kabras Sugar will, for the first time,  jointly host the first round of the eight-legged circuit named Kakamega Sevens.

The Kakamega showpiece is a replacement of the Sepetuka Sevens, which was hosted by Homeboyz RFC in Eldoret for the past two years.

Each round of the circuit, which is in its 21st edition, will be contested over two days with clubs battling to accumulate points that will determine the pecking order at the end of the season.

For Kenya Cup side Menengai Oilers, preparations for the shorter version of the game have begun in earnest with head coach Gibson Weru anticipating stiff competition once teams converge in Kakamega for the season opener.

Oilers managed to avoid relegation in their first season in the Kenya Cup after finishing eighth and they are seeking to transfer their 15s exploits to the Sevens campaign.

“Our good run in the Kenya Cup is a good foundation and we hope to build on that as we prepare for Sevens. I am sure it will be one of the most competitive Sevens seasons because every team will be out to prove a point. Kenyan teams enjoy playing Sevens and we expect a lot of competition, “ Weru told Standard Sports.

The Nakuru-based Oilers finished ninth during the 2018 Sevens season after accumulating 46 points, a significant drop from 2017 when they ended at sixth position with 68 points. 

“This season will be very different from the past two because the boys have really grown in terms of experience. We have managed to pick some valuable lessons and they will be helpful for the team,” Weru added.

From Kakamega, the RFUEA grounds in Nairobi will host the second leg, Kabeberi Sevens before the action heads to Kisumu for the Dala Sevens.

Homeboyz are the Sevens Circuit defending champions after collecting 122 points during the 2018 season. The Deejays managed to win the Main Cup in four rounds, Prinsloo, Sepetuka, Kabeberi and Christie.

2019 National Sevens Circuit dates
July 20-21 - Kakamega Sevens
July 27-28 - Kabeberi  Sevens (Nairobi)
August 10-11 - Dala Sevens (Kisumu)
August 17-18 - Prinsloo Sevens (Nakuru)
August 31 - September 1 - Christie Sevens (Nairobi)
September 7-8  - Driftwood Sevens (Mombasa)